Move over, Marilyn McCoo... step aside, Nena... there's a new balloon song in the air. A whole bunch of 'em, actually, at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, where they're producing the most whimsical, hummable, '80s-throwback-MTV-able little musical in town. 42 Balloons, a delightful British dirigible on its North American maiden flight, is here to charm, to uplift and to touch the hearts of all but the most crusty bubble-popping meanie.
First produced in Manchester (England) last year, 42 Balloons tells the improbable (but true!) story of Los Angeleno Larry Walters who, in 1982, tied—you guessed it—42 weather balloons to the best lawn chair he could buy and took off into the sky, some 16,000 feet above LAX, before gently landing in somebody's backyard in Long Beach. Oh... and also the story of his girlfriend Carol who went into $15,000 debt (almost $50k in today's money) to buy him the equipment.
To quote the lyrics of the show's opening song: "What makes a man try to fly in a lawn chair? And what makes a woman buy 42 weather balloons?" It's the old musical answer: a dream, my friends. And love... true love.
So, yes, there's plenty of comedy in this show. Of course there is: the man flew higher than the highest peak in the Rockies... in a lawn chair... that he bought at Sears. And, thanks to book, lyrics and music author Jack Godfrey's '80s-inspired Duran Duran-esque score, there's plenty of nostalgia and catchy ear worms in this almost completely sung-through show.
Adding to the enjoyment is the often hilarious, period-appropriate dancing, choreographed by Alexzandra Sarmiento and Camden Gonzalez, which perfectly captures the essence of the '80s, bringing an authentic and energetic pop & lock and running man vibe to the stage.
Skillfully directed by Ellie Coote, both in Britain and here, this aerial musical doesn't merely float along. There's a vulnerable and perhaps dark aspect behind Larry's need to fly, which the show examines. However, this exploration could be deeper to fully resonate with the audience. And, that is my one reservation about the production: the final resolution provided by an uplifting (that word again) 11 o'clock number seems slightly unearned.
But there are no such reservations about the performances of the supremely talented actors and supporting ensemble. Charlie McCullagh, who plays Larry, and Evelyn Hoskins, as Carol, have both made the trip from Britain to recreate their roles here in Chicago and deliver standout performances.
McCullagh brings a charismatic nerdiness (if that's a thing) to his starring turn and possesses a beautiful tenor capable of soaring as high as those weather balloons. And his sensitive portrayal of Larry's self-doubt and vulnerability highlight the turmoil that fuels Larry's need to fly.
Hoskins' acting is just as touching and her voice is equally powerful, especially when she gets to employ it in what is perhaps the most beautiful number in the show: the second-act power ballad "Helium."
But the real showstopper is delivered by Broadway vet Lisa Howard, who plays Carol's world-weary mother, who knows a thing or two and shares that hard-won wisdom in crowd favorite "Somebody's Story"—a song with one of the funniest opening lines I've heard. (No spoilers: I won't reveal it.) Howard is no stranger to a comic turn: she's laid 'em in the aisles in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the original Off-Broadway production of Titanique. (Side note: Porchlight's production of Titanique is still running through July 13 at Water Tower—go see it; it's the funniest show in town.)
And I must say a word about Minju Michelle Lee's featured song "The Kid and the Chair." Not since Sondheim's "Someone in a Tree" from Pacific Overtures, has there been a more delightful homage to the sheer pleasure and delight of being a bystander.
The almost omnipresent video projection in 42 Balloons is another standout element that enhances the storytelling. Andrzej Goulding's video design alternately evokes MTV, Max Headroom and TV coverage of Larry's flight with equal flair; the projections seamlessly integrate with the performers and create an immersive backdrop for Larry Walters' extraordinary journey.
Brought to Chicago Shakespeare Theatre by the same production team behind the Broadway phenomenon Six (similarly launched in partnership with Chicago Shakespeare), 42 Balloons seems poised to make a similar successful transfer to New York. I predict the flight will be a smooth—and popular one.
42 Balloons plays through June 29 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. The show runs two and half hours, with one intermission. Tickets are available at www.chicagoshakes.com.
For more information on this and other productions, see theatreinchicago.com.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider supporting Third Coast Review’s arts and culture coverage by making a donation. Choose the amount that works best for you, and know how much we appreciate your support!
